Eucalyptus is a genus of trees mostly native to Australia where they are called the gum tree from the gum which exudes from their trunks; individual species are known as 'stringy bark', 'iron bark', karri, jarrah, etc. They are members of the natural order Myrtaceae, and are remarkable for their gigantic size, some of them attaining the height of 150 meters.
The wood of some is excellent for building and many purposes. The Eucalyptus globulus, or blue gum, yields an essential oil which is valuable as a febrifuge, antiasthmatic, and antispasmodic; the medicinal properties of this tree also make it useful as a disinfectant, and as an astringent in affections of the respiratory passages, being employed in the form of an infusion, a decoction, or an extract, and cigarettes made of the leaves formerly being also smoked.
The Eucalyptus globulus and the Eucalyptus amygdalina were found to have an excellent sanitary effect when planted in malarious districts such as the Roman Campagna, parts of which were been reclaimed by their use. This result was partly brought about by the drainage of the soil (the trees absorbing great quantities of moisture), partly perhaps by the balsamic odour given out. Eucalyptus mannifera and others yield a sweet secretion resembling manna. Some yield a kind of gum kino. The Eucalyptus has been introduced with success into India, Algiers, Southern France, etc. Research Eucalyptus
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Abbreviations
Nature
Research Eucalyptus
